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Shock City #2
Punks
The follow-up to the Tim-Burton-esque middle grade graphic novel that Max Brallier calls “Equal parts nightmarish and outrageously funny!"
Milo and Sunny may have saved Shock City and its citizens from ruin, but that doesn't mean everything is peachy. As the town continues to deal with the aftermath of Darkness Von Shock's reign of terror, a new team of instigators hotheaded brothers who Becky lovingly refers to as the Diaper Twins. They lead the town in blaming Sunny and her parents for all the issues Shock City still faces. Milo is enraged that the Diaper Twins have scapegoated the Von Shocks, but then Becky convinces Milo and Sunny to blow off some steam and play a few harmless pranks on the twins. Little do Milo and Sunny know Becky's setting her own plans in motion, plotting to bring back an old friend even more sinister than ol' Darkness Von Shock himself.
Milo and Sunny may have saved Shock City and its citizens from ruin, but that doesn't mean everything is peachy. As the town continues to deal with the aftermath of Darkness Von Shock's reign of terror, a new team of instigators hotheaded brothers who Becky lovingly refers to as the Diaper Twins. They lead the town in blaming Sunny and her parents for all the issues Shock City still faces. Milo is enraged that the Diaper Twins have scapegoated the Von Shocks, but then Becky convinces Milo and Sunny to blow off some steam and play a few harmless pranks on the twins. Little do Milo and Sunny know Becky's setting her own plans in motion, plotting to bring back an old friend even more sinister than ol' Darkness Von Shock himself.
Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2026
About the author
Aaron Alexovich
74 books69 followersAARON ALEXOVICH (who is me) was born in Chicago, Illinois, the year Elvis died, but I currently sleep the daylight hours away in Southern California. After neglecting to graduate from the world-famous CALARTS, I took up space in the animation industry for a while, contributing character designs to Nickelodeon’s INVADER ZIM and AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER. I like making comic books way better, though. SERENITY ROSE VOL. 1 was my first published work, but since then I’ve doodled up KIMMIE66 (DC/Minx), CONFESSIONS OF A BLABBERMOUTH (written by Mike and Louise Carey, DC/Minx), SERENITY ROSE VOL. 2, and issue #64 of DC/Vertigo’s 2000 lb. gorilla, FABLES. Among other things. I am the proud owner of two cats, one theremin, a Facebook account and something called “the photic reflex,” which makes me sneeze in bright sunlight.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 16, 2026
Shock City Punks is the sequel to
Shock City
, Aaron Alexovich's MG horror graphic novel. Last time, monster girl Sunny Von Shock and her human friend Milo saved the city from a mind control alien (which may have been their fault in the first place). Now, Sunny and her mad scientist parents are trying to be more involved in helping the city, but the humans are being turned against them, and zombie kid Becky may be stirring up more trouble then even the Von Shocks can handle
Punks holds a lot of the same charm as the first book in the series. Sunny is still perfect, the dialogue and art are fantastic, and most of the cast is really enjoyable. We got a lot more of Milo's dad this time, who perfectly captured the adult feel of having realistic responses to the nonsense happening in the story but knowing he has to act responsibly in front of his kid. It was also cool learning a lot more about Becky — she went from an incidental ally to a proper friend of Sunny and Milo's, and we got to discover her whole backstory and character motivations. She's a cool character
I was not as thrilled by the overall plot this time. The first entry was a fun romp, that escalated into major stakes at the end. This time, there were sorta three main aspects to the story: the townsfolk, led by the Sholder twins, going all Humans First against the Von Shocks; Becky, Sunny, and Milo leading a prank war against the Sholders; and Becky's secret plot with Resurrection Jane
The prank war stuff was very fun and kept the same energy as the Sunny and Milo's adventure in Shock City, but I didn't care for the Sholder plotline. I've read plenty of stories with Humans First beats, and I think it's hard to pull off in a way that still makes for a good story. It's always an allegory for ways humans discriminate and persecute other humans irl, but I think the allegory fails when it becomes about a specific instance of real people being terrible. In this case, the Sholders are obviously MAGA nuts, and there's even an I.C.E. reference. I think it falls on the wrong side of the line between "exploring why these behaviors are bad through fictional stories" and "soapboxing about current events." The message is good, but the execution fell flat. I also think that the Jane plotline would've been fine as the primary antagonism in the story, but behind the Sholders, I was just tired
That all said, I still really enjoyed the book. Enough of the Sholder screentime was them getting in ridiculous supernatural scrapes that the irl allegory never got too distracting, and Milo's dad's cameos in those sequences was also a fresh perspective. Plus, the main plotline with the three kids was more than enjoyable enough to make up for the places where the story felt think. And did I mention that Sunny is perfect? I will continue to read anything that has her in it
Punks holds a lot of the same charm as the first book in the series. Sunny is still perfect, the dialogue and art are fantastic, and most of the cast is really enjoyable. We got a lot more of Milo's dad this time, who perfectly captured the adult feel of having realistic responses to the nonsense happening in the story but knowing he has to act responsibly in front of his kid. It was also cool learning a lot more about Becky — she went from an incidental ally to a proper friend of Sunny and Milo's, and we got to discover her whole backstory and character motivations. She's a cool character
I was not as thrilled by the overall plot this time. The first entry was a fun romp, that escalated into major stakes at the end. This time, there were sorta three main aspects to the story: the townsfolk, led by the Sholder twins, going all Humans First against the Von Shocks; Becky, Sunny, and Milo leading a prank war against the Sholders; and Becky's secret plot with Resurrection Jane
The prank war stuff was very fun and kept the same energy as the Sunny and Milo's adventure in Shock City, but I didn't care for the Sholder plotline. I've read plenty of stories with Humans First beats, and I think it's hard to pull off in a way that still makes for a good story. It's always an allegory for ways humans discriminate and persecute other humans irl, but I think the allegory fails when it becomes about a specific instance of real people being terrible. In this case, the Sholders are obviously MAGA nuts, and there's even an I.C.E. reference. I think it falls on the wrong side of the line between "exploring why these behaviors are bad through fictional stories" and "soapboxing about current events." The message is good, but the execution fell flat. I also think that the Jane plotline would've been fine as the primary antagonism in the story, but behind the Sholders, I was just tired
That all said, I still really enjoyed the book. Enough of the Sholder screentime was them getting in ridiculous supernatural scrapes that the irl allegory never got too distracting, and Milo's dad's cameos in those sequences was also a fresh perspective. Plus, the main plotline with the three kids was more than enjoyable enough to make up for the places where the story felt think. And did I mention that Sunny is perfect? I will continue to read anything that has her in it
May 10, 2026
Spooky, sidesplitting, and spectacularly shocking... this sequel unearths more secrets within Shock City's world with a surprising sense of realism and an arsenal of gags. Refreshingly gritty visuals make every page a blast of imaginative fuel! Aaron's cinematic pacing and cartoonishly bold visual style hold hands and frolic through a world of delightful terror, sure to bring readers of any age along (screaming or laughing, of course).
Between friendship, family, and mysterious malefactors, Sunny and Milo face the consequences of Darkness Von Shock's circumstances of disappearance in undeniable style. Partially thanks to Becky, the zombie prankster who's presence spices up the plot like nobody's business! Curious yet? Pick up this series for yourself, it's definitely worth the read.
Fans of Shock City Punks looking for more of that spooky cute delicacy should also check out Alexovich's other works like Serenity Rose, Kimmie66, and Eldritch! for those with slightly older & refined reading taste buds. Eagerly awaiting the direction of book 3, and hoping to learn lots about the doom behind the Von Shocks! :)
Between friendship, family, and mysterious malefactors, Sunny and Milo face the consequences of Darkness Von Shock's circumstances of disappearance in undeniable style. Partially thanks to Becky, the zombie prankster who's presence spices up the plot like nobody's business! Curious yet? Pick up this series for yourself, it's definitely worth the read.
Fans of Shock City Punks looking for more of that spooky cute delicacy should also check out Alexovich's other works like Serenity Rose, Kimmie66, and Eldritch! for those with slightly older & refined reading taste buds. Eagerly awaiting the direction of book 3, and hoping to learn lots about the doom behind the Von Shocks! :)
May 4, 2026
Whenever Aaron Alexovich puts out art, you can be sure I'll be collecting it! His spooky cute style is my absolute favorite, and he writes from his own (observant yet shy) perspective.
Shock City Punks is the sequel to Shock City, a graphic novel about a spooky island town overrun with horrors making it nearly unlivable for humans.
In this second book, the island's resident (mad) scientist family (The Von Shocks) help repair the damage from their many wild experiments. Sunny and her human friend Milo team up with local zombie punk Becky to play pranks that will, in no way, cause any lasting repercussions.
Yes, it's a book intended for ages 8-12. But the themes also resonate with adults, and the humor is clever enough for adults to chuckle while also being easy for kids to understand.
Highly recommend reading this together with the kids in your life. My niece and I had great conversations about taking accountability for your actions, respecting boundaries, and helping others even when it's difficult.
Shock City Punks is the sequel to Shock City, a graphic novel about a spooky island town overrun with horrors making it nearly unlivable for humans.
In this second book, the island's resident (mad) scientist family (The Von Shocks) help repair the damage from their many wild experiments. Sunny and her human friend Milo team up with local zombie punk Becky to play pranks that will, in no way, cause any lasting repercussions.
Yes, it's a book intended for ages 8-12. But the themes also resonate with adults, and the humor is clever enough for adults to chuckle while also being easy for kids to understand.
Highly recommend reading this together with the kids in your life. My niece and I had great conversations about taking accountability for your actions, respecting boundaries, and helping others even when it's difficult.
April 23, 2026
A delightful return to the world of Sunny, Milo, and friends! I read it before my kids got home because HA! Mom gets to be first this time :D . This is a fun read for any age as we learn more about the world these goofy kids live in, the ways the city got to be the way it is and Sunny's family's role in it all, and how they're going to solve some of the newest conflicts to arise in this creepy, wonderful world.
My 11 year old chose reading this instead of playing on the Switch while waiting during my appointment and then refused to stop reading while walking and decided to sit down for the three floor elevator ride so he could keep reading.
I figure that's a pretty good endorsement from a younger reader!
My 11 year old chose reading this instead of playing on the Switch while waiting during my appointment and then refused to stop reading while walking and decided to sit down for the three floor elevator ride so he could keep reading.
I figure that's a pretty good endorsement from a younger reader!
May 5, 2026
What a great story, I love the way that strange areas of Shock City's world are turned into functional usable areas by the inhabitants, like the Hole for Becky's crew or the Yum-E Freeze that's always frozen. Reminded me of the Statue of Charles-Without-End in Crestfallen. It's all drawn in with such world accurate details that it actually feels believably lived in, no matter how insanely bizarre the circumstances of actually living there would be. The story was awesome, so were the new evils unleashed, and also the illustrations on everything. Felt like I was watching this on tv in my brain. Permanent Explosion was peak.
April 27, 2026
Shock City punks is a great illustrated book for YA & above. You follow a story told by Sunny Von Shock & her family set in dystopian Shock City. We are introduced to Shock City rebounding / rebuilding & the random adventures that follow. I was introduced Aaron's work a very, very long time ago through the Invader Zim TV series & have followed it ever since. I can highly recommend this graphic novel if you enjoyed the random humor that you may remember from the TV show or even the comic. A+ art & storytelling.
May 12, 2026
I had to hold off on reviewing this new installment because my 9 year old just jumped into the series and I wanted her input as well. She devoured both Shock City and Shock City Punks in just as many days. She was so into Punks she forgot she asked to go to the park and didn’t want to put the book down to get ready.
The humor is great, mixed with engaging art and story that it has quickly became a favorite. When I commented on how fast she read thru them she said “I wanted to get the whole story in my brain!” which it has now been firmly imprinted.
We both look forward to future books.
The humor is great, mixed with engaging art and story that it has quickly became a favorite. When I commented on how fast she read thru them she said “I wanted to get the whole story in my brain!” which it has now been firmly imprinted.
We both look forward to future books.
April 28, 2026
Awesome! Love the artwork!
May 4, 2026
Must read sequel! Such a fun ride, with incredible artwork and a well paced story line. I've been a fan for years and honestly cant wait for *hopefully * a third installment!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews